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Financial Help for the Uninsured

When you do not have medical insurance, you leave yourself open for the possibility of accumulating a large amount of medical bills. With health insurance plans costing more than ever, many people still elect to pass on health coverage. If you find yourself in this situation, there are resources that could help you when you need medical help.

  1. Negotiation

    • When you need medical care, one way you could potentially save money on your bill is to negotiate a lower rate. In many cases, the hospital or other medical facility might be willing to negotiate a lower rate for you. Medical facilities regularly charge a lower rate for insurance companies and if you make it a priority to negotiate a cash price, they may give you a better deal. If you can afford to make a lump sum payment, the provider could give you a substantial discount.

    Financial Aid Programs

    • When you do not have insurance and you are faced with large hospital bills, one option you could pursue is financial aid. Many hospitals offer financial aid programs to their patients, but they rarely mention these programs unless you ask about them. To qualify for these programs, you typically have to have a very low income when compared with your area. These programs could help you pay for a portion of your bill or cover the entire amount if you qualify.

    Subsidized Health Insurance

    • In some areas, you can access subsidize health-insurance plans to help you pay for your medical bills. For example, some areas use a system that involves sharing the monthly insurance premiums between an employee, an employer and an area. This makes the insurance premiums much more affordable for the individual and can increase the likelihood that the individual will seek out medical service when he needs it instead of waiting until a condition is too far along to treat.

    Discount Providers

    • When you only need normal health care, instead of emergency care, you can typically go to discount medical providers. Many doctors offices and other medical facilities have started offering discounts for cash customers as a way to increase business. Many of these medical facilities are very affordable for the average person and you do not have to worry about having insurance to get the discount. These clinics can provide you with many different medical services for a discounted rate.

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